Hawaiʻi Employers Council launches leadership academy for director-level professionals

The Hawaiʻi Employers Council has announced the launch of its inaugural Hawaiʻi Leadership Academy, a new leadership development program tailored for director-level and senior professionals across industries. The five-week in-person program begins Sept. 12, 2025, in Honolulu.

Designed to build adaptive and inclusive leadership for Hawaiʻi’s evolving workforce, the academy will offer a series of half-day sessions held on Friday mornings through Oct. 10. Participants will engage in executive workshops, hear from C-suite guest speakers and connect with peers from diverse sectors.

“The Hawaiʻi Leadership Academy is more than a training program — it’s a transformational experience designed to deepen leadership impact at the individual, organizational and community level,” said Sarah Guay, president and CEO of Hawaiʻi Employers Council.  “As Hawaiʻi organizations face complex workforce challenges and generational shifts, now is the time to invest in leadership that’s adaptive, inclusive and future-focused.”

Organizations should enroll emerging and established leaders who are at the director level and above — people who have the potential to drive business growth and culture and take on even greater leadership roles.

“It’s ideal for professionals looking to refine their leadership approach, enhance decision-making, expand their executive network and gain real-world tools to lead high-performing teams, manage change and foster employee engagement,” said Tracie Foglia, talent solutions manager and curriculum lead.

Participants will benefit from:

• Immersive leadership development harnessing their innate leadership strengths.
• Candid conversations with C-suite guest speakers, sharing real-world leadership journeys and insights.
• Valuable peer-to-peer connections, connecting with like-minded peers from diverse industries and organizations

Curriculum topics will explore leadership impact, leading through talent and culture, leading to preferences and leadership strategy. Sessions will be hosted at Hawaiʻi Employers Council’s Honolulu headquarters. Each session runs from 8 a.m. to noon, preceded by 7 a.m. networking.

The program is open to a limited cohort to ensure personalized engagement. Tuition is $3,500, with a $500 early-bird discount available.

To learn more or apply, visit www.hecouncil.org/LeadershipAcademy2025 or contact Tracie Foglia at tfoglia@hecouncil.org or (808) 440-8850.